If you’ve ever been too intimidated to try resale, you’re not alone. It can be very daunting if you don’t know what to expect. As the owner of a kids’ resale store, I get asked all the time, how does it work and what is it that you’re REALLY looking for? I wish there were an easy answer. It’s not a perfect science. What we buy from day to day varies because our inventory changes so quickly. But hopefully I can shed some light on our reasoning because there really is a method to our madness.
If it’s your first time selling, call ahead first. Find out if the store is taking the items you hope to sell. What season/sizes of clothes are they buying? When do they take items? How much can you bring? How do they want items prepared? Definitely ask about large items so you don’t go through the trouble of hauling those in, only to be turned away. Good communication is key to a good experience.
When gathering your things to sell, think about the 4 C’s. Clean, Current, Complete and in great Condition.
Clothing: Items should be freshly laundered in current styles (about 2-3 years old), free from extra wear, stains, shrinkage, odor, pet hair, fading, holes, missing button or broken zippers. Keep outfit pieces together. Lay items flat in a bin or box. Avoid trash bags! These are difficult to go through and they wrinkle clothing. Our most wanted sizes? 2T to kid’s size 10 and maternity. Larger sizes sell faster and are harder to get find in good condition. Keep in mind, resale stores see A LOT of infant clothing. Only bring the best of the best in these sizes. Maternity clothing should be no older than 2 years. Casual styles sell best.
Toys: In general, we look for clean, complete and working sets. Most stores prefer major name brands because of recalls. It also helps to bring loose parts in a bag.
Equipment: We’re looking for clean items in good working order that are no more than 8 years old. Our most wanted items? Highchairs, pack ‘n’ plays, exersaucers, jumperoos and toddler beds. We also check for safety issues and recalls. Before bringing larger items, you can check for recalls yourself at www.cpsvc.gov. Also, make sure items have all their parts and safety straps. If you have a crib, remember, all cribs manufactured before June 2011 have been recalled and are not sellable, even in a garage sale.
Large items: Toddler beds, train tables, outdoor play sets, non-recalled cribs. We LOVE these! Plan to assemble them yourself once you get to the store. Again, call ahead. Make sure floor space is available.
There are also things resale stores see a lot of. Because of high supply and slower demand, these items may be turned away due to inventory levels. Used potty seats, crib mattresses, bathtubs, linens and diaper bags (yes, even designer ones).
Last, if you’re new to resale and worried about how much you’ll be paid for your items, bring in a smaller amount to start with. Resale is not for everyone, but it is the quickest way to turn your items into cash and clear the clutter in your closets!
Join us for our Easter Egg Sale Easter Egg Sale March 18 through 20. Just come in and grab an Easter egg filled with offers of 10, 15, even 20% off your entire purchase! We’ll have treat-filled eggs for the kids. Kid to Kid in Covington is filled with all the things you need to get your kids ready for spring! So save the date and see you March 18 through 20 at Kid to Kid in Covington.
Kid to Kid is a kids’ upscale resale store located in Covington, Washington.
Store address:
16908 SE 269th Place, in the Kohl’s parking lot.
Covington, WA 98042
Store Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 1pm – 5pm
Buying Hours:
Monday-Saturday 10am – 4pm
Website: www.kidtokid.com/covington
